In the heart of East Texas, an author finds her muse just across the state line in Oklahoma. Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, weaves tales that resonate with the history and culture of her heritage. Her journey as an author is as inspiring as the stories she pens, each one a testament to her commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous narratives.
Sawyer’s literary portfolio is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and nonfiction, with notable works like Anumpa Warrior: Choctaw Code Talkers of World War ITouch My Tears: Tales From the Trail of Tears and the Choctaw Tribune series. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the 18 books she has published, with more on the horizon, including the upcoming Lost Legacy the tenth installment in the Doc Beck Westerns series.
The Call of Oklahoma
For Sawyer, the state of Oklahoma is a wellspring of inspiration. The terrain, history, and culture of the region stir her creative juices, reminding her of her roots. As a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she frequently visits the state, finding solace and inspiration in its landscapes and stories. This deep connection to her heritage is palpable in her writing, making her stories authentic and compelling.
Sawyer’s writing process is as unique as her stories. She writes by dictation, finding inspiration in the most mundane tasks, from washing dishes to walking on the treadmill. This flexibility allows her to capture moments of inspiration whenever they strike, ensuring that her stories flow naturally and authentically.
The Indie Publishing Path
Sawyer’s journey into indie publishing began with a proposal for a book project that would capture and preserve Choctaw Trail of Tears stories through historical fiction. Accepted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Artist Leadership Program in, she initially hoped the museum would publish her work. However, she discovered they only published nonfiction and was encouraged to publish the book herself.
The road to indie publishing was not without its challenges. Sawyer’s first project, Touch My Tears: Tales From the Trail of Tears was a complex anthology featuring 10 authors, each with their bios and notes. To add to the complexity, Sawyer included a pencil illustration with each story. Formatting the e-book took two weeks, and traditional print book design took months to master. Despite the hurdles, the project was a resounding success, with readers often surprised to learn it was indie-published.
Sawyer’s decision to pursue indie publishing was influenced by her observations of both traditional and indie publishing paths. She noted the struggles of traditionally published authors with marketing and shrinking royalties, as well as the varied success stories of indie authors. Her choice to remain independent allowed her the creative control necessary to publish content she felt called to create, especially when dealing with culturally and spiritually sensitive material.
The Rewards of Authentic Storytelling
For Sawyer, the greatest reward comes from readers who tell her they learned things they wished they’d been taught in school or how her books impact their lives for the good. This feedback underscores the importance of her work in preserving and sharing Indigenous history and culture. Her narrative biography of a Native WWI hero, Otis W. Leader: The Ideal American Doughboy was awarded the 2026 Oklahoma Book Award for nonfiction and was selected to represent the state of Oklahoma for the Library of Congress’s 2026 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.
Sawyer’s commitment to authentic storytelling extends beyond her writing. She teaches authors how to write about American Indians in a respectful and accurate manner through conferences, summits, and her digital course, Fiction Writing: American Indians. This course equips authors to create stories that honor First American history and culture, emphasizing the importance of research, connections, and relationships.
As Sawyer continues to write and publish, her impact on the literary world grows. Her stories not only entertain but also educate, preserving the rich history and culture of the Choctaw Nation for future generations. Through her dedication and passion, she inspires others to explore and honor the stories of Indigenous peoples, one compelling narrative at a time.
